Patch Antenna Plated Moats Isolation Lithography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch antennas in arrays face inefficiencies due to parasitic surface waves and require laborious pick-n-place processes for assembly, leading to increased costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A patch antenna design featuring radiating elements formed on a common dielectric substrate with plated moats providing isolation, eliminating the need for the pick-n-place process and reducing parasitic surface waves through conductive coatings on the moat sidewalls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual radiating elements are assembled using pick-n-place process, then isolation between elements is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radiating elements are formed simultaneously on a single dielectric substrate using lithographic patterning techniques, merging the fabrication process into one integrated step rather than assembling individual elements separately. This eliminates the pick-n-place assembly process while maintaining element isolation through the substrate structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric substrate is prepared in advance with pre-formed isolation structures (such as recesses or cavities) between radiating element locations. This preliminary preparation enables direct formation of multiple elements without subsequent assembly steps, reducing both time and complexity.
2Reliability
If metal frame is used for isolation, then element isolation is achieved, but antenna weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy, permanent metal frame structures with lighter dielectric substrate-based isolation structures. The dielectric material serves the isolation function without the weight penalty of metal frames, effectively substituting a heavier material with a lighter one that achieves the same technical purpose.
3Power
If arrays of patch antennas are formed, then radiating power output is increased, but parasitic surface waves reduce operating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Parasitic surface waves are extracted or removed from the system by incorporating lossy dielectric materials or absorbing structures between radiating elements. These materials specifically target and dissipate the parasitic waves while allowing the main radiating function to continue, thereby reducing energy loss without compromising the power output benefit of arrays.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces production costs and assembly time while improving isolation between elements, enhancing the operating efficiency of patch antennas by using a common substrate and lithographic patterning techniques.
Implementation Method 1
A conductive coating may be disposed on the inner perimeter sidewall or the outer perimeter sidewall
Implementation Method 2
plated moats to provide isolation between adjacent elements
Data Source
Figure 1A~3
Figure 2
Figure 4~6
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a patch antenna includes a radiating layer coupled to a feed line. The radiating layer has at least one radiating element disposed on an opposite side from the feed line. The radiating layer has a moat around its perimeter forming an inner perimeter sidewall and an outer perimeter sidewall. A conductive coating may be disposed on the inner perimeter sidewall or the outer perimeter sidewall.